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Photos Erica Berman

Like many American ex-pats, Richard Nahem came to Paris to pursue a dream. Upon seeing the city for the first time twenty-five years earlier, he had vowed to live here someday. And after spending twenty years as a chef/caterer in NYC, Richard finally did what many Americans only dream of doing—he packed his bags and hopped a flight.

Since doing so four years ago, he has slowly built the “Eye Prefer Paris” brand, which includes his blog and Paris tour service. For first-time visitors to Paris, Richard’s tours offer a balance of background information and insider tips. His clients range from couples on vacation to packs of traveling girl scouts, and as a result, he customizes each tour to meet his clients’ needs and expectations. Each 3-hour tour costs 175 EUR (for a group of up to 4 people) and focuses on a specific Parisian neighborhood.

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Photo Erica Berman taken on an Eye Prefer Paris Tour in 2008!

Last week, I tagged along on one of his tours of the historic Marais, where he led us to a hole-in-the-wall Israeli market, a shop with hand-crafted chocolates, a clothing store where every item is hand-dyed to order, the Jewish district near rue des Rosiers, and the breathtaking Place des Vosges, where we browsed through a quirky music shop full of antique instruments. While I have spent significant time in the Marais, Richard’s tour drew my attention to architecture, hidden courtyards and gardens, shops, and historical facts that I had never before stopped to consider. His familiarity with the neighborhood and its proprietors—many of whom greeted him by name—offered a unique lens through which to interpret the quartier, whose most interesting features are often overshadowed by the recent commercial development.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Nahem
Photo Courtesy of Richard Nahem

As an ex-pat who came here in pursuit of a dream, Richard enjoys sharing “his” Paris with newcomers to the city.  From architecture and history, to shopping and design, to food and local cuisine, Richard’ easy-going attitude and unique perspective ensures that clients will uncover a Paris all their own.

http://eyepreferparis.com/

http://www.eyepreferparistours.com

Fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, Provence and Tuscany: haveninparis.com

WRITTEN BY

Tory Hoen

Tory Henwood Hoen has been published by New York Magazine, Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Fortune, and others. She was Creative Director of Brand at M.M.LaFleur, where she founded the brand’s digital magazine, The M Dash. Her debut novel, The Arc, is available in bookshops near you and online.

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